Some more useful trans info...

Had my truck at the dealers for the hood issue. At delivery they also checked the trans and found it to be .5qt low. While I was there we chatted about the transmission. Normally I'm suspect but...
1) Full adaptation (learning) is not completed until between 2000-5000 miles...multiple drivers and use of other functions (ECT, S mode) delays this.
2) The transmission will not shift into 6th until the engine is warmed up...it does this to speed up heating of the emissions system and minimize cylinder temps until parts have warmed up.
3) Shift programming is variable dependent upon temperature...just because the engine is no longer doing a fast idle does not mean everything is up to temperature.
4) The transmission will learn to downshift and use engine braking to help you maintain speed going downhill.
5) Disconnecting the battery for several minutes resets short term adaptation...long term is retained.
6) Adaptation is continuous...before your first oil change the transmission should begin performing much better than when you drove it off the lot.
7) Fluid levels can be checked with a calibrated tool at any temperature...your dealership should know how to do that.
8) If 100% of the well used fluid is changed out the long term adaptation should be reset...the computer also learns to adjust for wear/changing fluid dynamics and it learns faster from base mapping.

 

Great info

 

Copy and paste here please . Not too many guys are going to see your post with the heading you have listed .
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...be-low-on-fluid-directly-from-factory.405642/

 

2) "The transmission will not shift into 6th until the engine is warmed up...it does this to speed up heating of the emissions system and minimize cylinder temps until parts have warmed up."

Now matter how many gears it has, no auto tranny (except the CVT) in a Toyota will shift into it's highest gear until the engine reaches a certain temp. Been that way for years.....yet people still worry about it.

Not you OP....just saying....in general.

 

Interesting information.

 

So about disconnecting the battery. I just checked my ATF fluid using jumper method and pinned stat. Would it be worth it to disconnect the battery so my trans relearns? Or will it adjust the more I drive it?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...uid-topoff-possible-fix.424030/#post-12119570

 

Well, I guess my truck is screwy because I've been having transmission issues that started after a few thousand miles. I have a DCSB 4x4 Sport AT and initially I really could not understand what all the fuss was about since mine was not gear hunting or shifting all over the place, has a respectable amount of pickup when you pressed the gas and was just overall great. Then after a few thousand miles it started slipping, and/or not going into gear a few times when I would drive off from a cold start in the morning, would intermittently 'clunk' down into gear when coming to a stop at lights, stop signs, etc when warmed up, and twice it has apparently slipped into neutral then back into gear while driving down the road (again, the truck was warmed up). I have had the fluid level checked and told it was right where it needs to be and everything is fine. Now the truck IS starting to experience all the things others have previously mentioned...it's a dog when I hit the gas to accelerate on the freeway, and 'hunts' for the right gear. I love the truck otherwise, and despite having it to the dealer twice they keep telling me there is nothing wrong with my truck and can't replicate the issue, and didn't seem concerned even though I mentioned that the slipping into neutral twice now while driving in my opinion is considered a safety issue. I really feel like I made a mistake switching brands as this is my first Toyota. Trust me, I want to love this truck but this issue is really making it tough and I'm at least happy now I haggled for the extended warranty.

 

Disconnect the battery for 30 min. Fixed all my issues I was having

 

Well that makes me feel better... That's all that matters

 

My only question is how long will that 'fix' last?

 

One thing is for sure, I no longer have a desire to sell or trade in my 2013 anytime soon. Such a shame.

Toyota needs to address these defects.

 

I have yet to have a problem. But it's probably a safe bet to wait for 2017

 

I'm actually thinking 2018 now. My 2013 just turned 26k miles.

 

Yeah good question

 

Oh yeah, you have got plenty of time lol

 

Is your truck still falling into neutral ?
How much damage was done to your transmission while you drove low on fluid for 2000 miles , even though the dealer said your fluid level was fine when you took it in to have checked .
I suggest removing the battery posts once you know " for sure " your transmission is filled correctly . This way your transmission will learn how to shift properly rather than learning your driving characteristics while low on fluid .

 

I never said my truck was ever low on fluid. Quite the contrary according to the dealership that checked it and told me the level was fine. It has not slipped into neutral in a while. Just recently though it has started to 'clunk' again when downshifting and now shifts rougher. To be honest at this point I'm kind of over it and have better things to do with my time then continue taking it to the dealer on my days off and have them tell me the symptoms Im experiencing can't be replicated so there's nothing they can do (and believe me, I totally get it from their end because if they cannot replicate a problem, how are they expected to address and fix it?!). I'll either continue to drive the truck until something fails and can be replicated! It's documented, they have record of it, and I have an extended warranty. But I will say this...this Tacoma is my first Toyota I've ever owned, and most likely my last.

 

The thing I find interesting is that although these transmission issues aren't affecting every new Tacoma, there are quite a few of us having these issues, and I have not heard one peep from Toyota about any fixes, corrections, etc. for the issues we're having. And for those people who will chime in and say that it's probably only a small percentage of owners experiencing these issues, well maybe you're right. But take into consideration that my issues started a few thousand miles in and weren't present right off the bat. So my guess is while others put more miles on their Tacoma more and more people may start experiencing these issues. If Toyota was smart they'd address the issue now and come up with a fix. That way once it starts affecting more and more people they won't be scrambling around for a cure and would already have on in place. Also, if they figured it out now they could address it before it happens with other trucks alter on, which may cause more damage and cost in repairs for Toyota in the long run. But trust me, I get it. No need to invest time and money into a problem that isn't affecting everyone since it's not cost effective from a business perspective. But really, it's kind of sad to see this happening to a companies flagship vehicle that they've been known for for a very long time. Only time will tell how it will pan out, but as previously mentioned I won't be a guinea pig for them after this vehicle. I'll go back to what i was previously driving. If that means not owning a truck and going back to an SUV then so be it.

 

All I know is what I've read on here, but could your truck's "air cooler" (I assume you have the tow pgk.) has been put on empty at the factory and now that you have driven quite a bit, the Thermostat has opened and fluid was allowed to fill that extra cooler....it takes 0.06 Qt apparently. Now, IF your tranny was down 1/2 qt from the start ...... now it might be down over 1 qt.... Just a theory I'll throw out there, But if I were you I'd have the actual fluid level physically checked by the dealer (Not Techstream check).... Better yet....do it yourself and know it is done right..!! Good luck.